Storage and work system

ABSTRACT

A removable panel sized to overlie and connect at least two modules each having a top. The removable panel can include a work surface comprising the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can include at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module. The removable panel and modules can form a storage and work system. The modules can be mobile or can be stationary. A number of mating surface arrangements are disclosed that cooperate with a number of module top surfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending patent application US20020165-4 filed concurrently with this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Generally, the invention relates to a workroom storage system for organizing the tools and supplies found in workrooms, especially garages. More specifically, the invention relates to a removable top or panel to connect multiple storage cabinets into a storage and work system that can be movable.

1. Description of the Related Art

Stationary and mobile storage cabinets are known for use independently and with other storage cabinets or workbenches. Prior art desks and storage systems include multiple modules linked together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a removable panel sized to overlie and connect at least two modules each having a top. The removable panel can have a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can include a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.

The first portion and second portion are positioned to connect the at least two modules in side by side position.

The removable panel can be sized to overlie and connect at least three modules and the mating surface can include at least a third portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a third module.

At least the first and second portions of the mating surface can be arranged to engage the tops of the modules. The top of each module can include a recess, and the at least first and second portions can be arranged to be received in the recess in the at least two modules.

The first and second portions can comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to be received in the recess in the at least two modules. The top of each module can include a perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion of a top wall defining the recess.

In another aspect of the invention the at least first and second portions can be arranged to surround the tops of the modules. The first and second portions can include a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to surround the tops of the modules. Alternately, the first and second portions comprise recesses in the mating surface arranged to receive the tops of the modules.

In another aspect of the invention the first and second portions can be a plurality of connectors arranged to be received in a plurality of recesses in the tops of the modules. The connectors can be pins in the mating surface of the removable panel. Alternately, the connectors can be threaded fasteners carried by the removable top arranged to be fastened into openings in the top of modules.

In another aspect of the invention the first and second portions can be a plurality of recesses in the mating surface arranged to receive a plurality of connectors in the tops of the modules. The connectors comprise threaded fasteners arranged in the tops of the modules to be fastened into recesses in the mating surface.

In another aspect of the invention the removable top can include at least one overlap portion that extends beyond at least one sidewall of a module. The at least one overlap portion can be pivotally connected to the removable panel and arranged to be positioned to extend the work surface in one position and to be folded down in a second position.

In another aspect the invention relates to a storage and work system having at least two movable modules each having a top, a removable panel sized to overlie the at least two movable modules. The removable panel can have a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can include at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.

In another aspect the invention relates a modular workbench system including a workbench having an elongated workbench top supported on a plurality of legs. The workbench can define an open space bounded by the floor, the plurality of legs and the workbench top for docking a plurality of mobile modules. The modular workbench system can include a plurality of mobile modules having cabinet including a top and movably mounted on wheels. The mobile modules can have a removable panel sized to overlie the at least two movable modules forming a removable panel assembly having a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can include at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module to connect the at least two modules into an assembly. The modules and removable panel assembly can be sized for docking underneath the workbench top for storage and access, and for movement of the assembly from underneath the workbench top for rearrangement of the modules, for access to the modules away from the workbench and for use of the assembly as a mobile worksurface or for cleaning under the workbench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules positioned under a modular workbench;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable panel and movable modules of FIG. 1 withdrawn and parked adjacent the workbench;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the removable panel as shown in FIG. 2 with the removable panel tipped upwardly to a vertical position to show the underside of one embodiment of the removable panel;

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view illustrating the embodiment of the removable panel as shown in FIGS. 1-4 installed on movable modules;

FIG. 5A is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view illustrating another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable modules;

FIG. 12 is a front view of another embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention installed on modules having leveling legs;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a movable drawer module that can be used with a removable panel according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a movable cabinet module that can be used with a removable panel according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a movable refrigerator module that can be used with a removable panel according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A storage and work system according to the invention can be used alone or in conjunction with a modular workbench that can include storage space for one or more movable modules that can dock underneath the workbench. The storage and work system can be used with a workbench system as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/334,078, “Arent et. al., '078” and in conjunction with the slotwall panel storage system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043, “Perkins et. al., '043”. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/334/078 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043 are fully incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with the present invention, a removable top or panel can be provided to overlie and connect at least two modules to form a storage and work system. In a preferred embodiment the modules can be movable modules that can be combined with a removable panel to form a movable storage and work system. Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2 a modular workbench 10 can be seen with a movable storage and work system 20. Modular workbench 10 can include a leg assembly 12, a top 14 and a power strip 16 all as described in detail in Arent et. al. '078. The storage and work system 20 can include two or more movable cabinet modules 40 and a removable panel 22. In this application removable panels will be referred to as a “panel” although they could also be referred to as a “top” or a “cover”. A removable panel 22 can be sized to overlie and connect two or more modules 40 that, as described above, can be movable. As will be described in detail below, removable panel 22 can connect two or more movable modules 40 so that the modules can be moved together from a docked position under modular workbench 10 (see FIG. 1) to a position away from the modular workbench 10 (see FIG. 2). Removable panel 22 can have a work surface 24 on the top surface of removable panel 22. The storage and work system 20 can provide a large and stable work surface that can be mobile. If desired, the storage and work system can be a user's workbench without having to purchase a separate workbench such a modular workbench 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the storage and work system can allow the user to mix and match modules that can be used with a removable panel 22 based on their preference. Likewise as will be described below modules having leveling legs can be used with a removable panel to provide a stationary storage and work system. Similarly, the removable panel 22 can be offered with different materials on or forming the removable panel 22 (maple laminate, particle board, laminate or metal skin on particle board, molded plastic, etc.) as will be described in greater detail below. Thus consumers can create a storage and work system of their preference (both module type and panel material and work surface material and mobile or stationary modules). As noted above, a storage and work system can be used alone as a stationary or movable work surface or can be movable for docking under a modular workbench for storage and access to the modules.

Modules 40 are described in Arent et. al. '078 and can include a plurality of wheels 42 at the front of cabinet modules 40. Wheels 42 can be fixed for movement parallel to the side walls of modules 40. Casters 47 can be provided at the rear of modules 40 (FIG. 13) as described below and described in detail in Arent et. al. '078. The storage and work system 20 can be arranged to include two movable modules 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or can be arranged to include three movable modules 40 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modular workbench 10 can be sized to dock two modules as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or to dock three or more modules as described in Arent et. al. '078. The storage and work system 20′ illustrated in FIG. 3 can be similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 but can have a removable panel 22' arranged to overlie and connect three movable modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that a storage and work system can be arranged to include more than three movable modules if desired, particularly if one or more movable modules are narrower than the movable modules illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 13-15.

In FIGS. 1-11, the modules are illustrated as movable cabinet modules 40. Three embodiments of movable modules that can be used in conjunction with the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, and are described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078. Movable modules can include other configurations within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that other movable module configurations can be used with a removable top according to the invention in lieu of or addition to the cabinet modules 40 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 13-15. Movable modules having wheels, rollers, casters and the like to allow the module to be readily moved by a user can be used. Similarly, the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and 13-15 illustrate movable modules with certain surfaces having a pattern on the surface. Those skilled in the art will understand that movable modules having plane surfaces or other forms of patterned surfaces can be used in conjunction with a removable panel according to the invention. In addition, one or more movable modules can be individually docked under workbench 10 without a removable panel 22 as described in Arent et. al. '078.

In FIG. 12 a storage and work system 20″ is illustrated with modules 100 having a plurality of leveling legs 89 instead of a plurality of wheels as in the embodiments having movable modules illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. Modules 100 can be connected by removable panel 22′″ to form storage and work system 20″. Modules 100 can have a plurality of leveling legs 89 instead of wheels although those skilled in the art will understand that wheels 42 and casters 47 can be provided as in the modules illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. Modules 100 can have four leveling legs 89. Modules 100 can have one or more doors 87 for closing a lower portion of module 100 and one or more drawers 88 slidably mounted in the top portion of module 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that drawers 88 can be eliminated providing an open storage space in the top portion of module 100 if desired. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the modules illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 can be provided with leveling legs 89 as used with module 100 illustrated in FIG. 12 instead of wheels 42 and casters 47.

Turning to FIG. 4, a storage and work system 20 is shown with one embodiment of a removable panel 22 according to the invention tipped upwardly to the generally upright position to show the mating surface 26 of removable panel 22 and the top of movable modules 40. Removable panel 22 can have a mating surface 26 arranged to connect two or more movable modules 40. In this embodiment mating surface 26 can have a plurality of strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 arranged around the periphery of removable panel 22. Strips 28 and 34 can define a gap 35 and strips 32 and 38 can define gap 37. Those skilled in the art will understand that strips 28 & 34 and strips 32 & 38 can each be a single strip with gaps 35 and 37 formed by removing material such as by routing gaps 35 and 37 from the strip material. Movable modules 40 can have perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 extending above and around a portion of the top wall 41 of movable cabinet module 40. Perimetrical flange elements 44, 46, and 48 can define a recess that can receive the plurality of strips 28, 30, 32, 36 and 38. Strips 28, 30 and 32 can define a first portion 29 of the mating surface 26 arranged to be received in a recess defined by the perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 of one movable cabinet 40. Strips 34, 36 and 38 can define a second portion 31 of the mating surface 26 arranged to be received in a recess defined by the perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 of another movable cabinet 40. Gaps 35 and 37 can be arranged to receive perimetrical flange elements 44 and 48 and thereby allow removable panel 22 to connect the front and rear edges of the perimetrical flanges on movable modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that additional strips can be provided on mating surface 26 extending from strips 28 and 32 on one edge of gaps 35 and 37 and from strips 34 and 38 along the other edge of gaps 35 and 37. Movable modules 40 can include bumpers 43 as described in Arent et. al. '078. Bumpers 43 can help maintain movable modules 40 spaced apart when they are connected by a removable panel 22. Those skilled in the art will understand that a plurality of spaced apart blocks can be used instead of strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 to form the first and second portions 29, 31 of the mating surface 26. Those skilled in the art will also understand that blocks used in place of strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 can be rectilinear, circular, triangular or other shape as may be desired to provide a surface to interact with perimetrical flanges 44, 46, and 48 on modules 40. Further, parallel strips running from side to side or from front to back can be used to form first and second portions 29 and 31 if desired in lieu of the strips disclosed in FIG. 4.

The storage and work system of the embodiment of FIG. 3 can have a removable panel 22′ arranged to overlie and connect three movable modules 40. Removable panel 22′ can have a plurality of strips on the mating surface, not shown, arranged similar to the strips on the mating surface 26 of removable panel 22 as described above. In addition two or more additional strips can be provided on the mating surface, not shown, that can form a third portion, similar to the first and second portion, that can be received in the recess formed by a perimetrical flange around a portion of the top wall of the third movable module 40. The additional strips, not shown, can be parallel strips arranged side to side or front to back or other arrangements as described in the previous paragraph.

Removable panels 22 and 22′ can be formed of particle board and can have laminate work surface 24 on the top surface. Strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 can likewise be particle board and can be fastened to removable panel 22. When removable panel 22 is formed of particle board the strips can be glued and fastened with a plurality of screws or other fasteners 39 to form the mating surface including a first portion 29 and a second portion 31. Those skilled in the art will understand that strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 can be affixed to removable panel 22 in other ways such as gluing or fastening with mechanical fasteners only and by using other known mechanical fasteners appropriate to the material being used to form removable panel 22. Those skilled in the art will understand that removable panel 22 can be formed of other materials such as a laminated wood top as described in Arent et. al. '078. The work surface 24 can be laminate material similar to laminate material used on residential and commercial work surfaces and countertops. The work surface 24 can also be other material such as sheet metal or other rugged and/or resilient sheet material as desired by consumers.

Removable panel 22′″ illustrated in FIG. 12 can be similar to removable panel 22 described above in connection with FIG. 4. Likewise combination cabinet module 100 can have a perimetrical flange (not shown) similar to flange elements 44, 46 and 48 illustrated in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art will understand that removable panel 22′″ can be formed similar to removable panel 22 described above.

Turning to FIGS. 5-11 schematic outline drawings of storage and work systems according to the invention can be seen. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of a storage and work system illustrated in FIGS. 5-11 can include three or more modules, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 as well as two modules as illustrated in FIGS. 5-11. The embodiments described in FIGS. 5-11 will be described in combination with movable modules generally similar to movable modules 40 having wheels 42 and casters 47 (not shown) as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that other movable modules such as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 or other movable modules can be used with the removable panel embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-11. Likewise, those skilled in the art will understand that stationary modules 100 as illustrated in FIG. 12 can be used with the removable panel embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-11. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view outline showing two modules 40 connected by a removable panel 22 overlying the modules. As described above, a plurality of strips can be attached to mating surface 26 to form first and second portions 29, 31 that can be arranged to cooperate with the top of the movable modules 40. As described above, the top of movable modules 40 can include a top wall 41 that can have perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 (see FIG. 4) and 48 extending upwardly around at least a portion of the perimeter of top wall 41. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A removable panel 22″ can have a first portion 29′ and a second portion 31′ that can be integral with removable panel 22″. For example, removable panel 22″ can be a laminated maple top or other solid material having a gap formed by removing panel material to form a channel 33 that can cooperate with perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 to connect two movable modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that removable panel 22″ can be particle board, plywood or other sheet material capable of having a channel 33 formed in the mating surface 26′. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, if desired, removable panels for the embodiments of the invention described in this application can be molded plastic material with mating surfaces according to the invention formed in, or attached to, the removable panel.

Turning to FIG. 6 another embodiment of a removable panel 52 according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable modules 40′. Movable modules 40′ can be similar to movable modules 40 with a top wall 41′ that can be a substantially flat surface or a substantially flat frame around the perimeter of module 40′. Removable panel 52 can have a work surface 54 and a mating surface 55. Mating surface can have a plurality of strips 56, 58 and 60 attached to mating surface 55 at the periphery of mating surface 55. Strip 58 can extend the full width of the modules 40′, or if desired can extend only a portion of the width of modules 40′ sufficient to keep modules 40′ in side by side relation. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the mating surface 55 of the removable panel 52 can comprise a recess having a first portion 51 defined by strips 58 and 60 and a second portion 53 defined by strips 56 and 58. Thus, removable panel 52 can overlie and connect two or more movable modules 40′. If desired, one or more partial strips or a full strip, not shown, can be attached to mating surface 55 to extend across the front of movable modules 40′ if desired to more securely hold modules 40′ in side by side relation when removable panel 52 is positioned over the movable modules 40′. Alternately, first portion 51 and second portion 53 of the removable panel 52 can be formed by removing material to form recesses on the mating surface 55 arranged to receive the top walls 41′ of modules 40′.

Turning to FIG. 7 another embodiment of a removable panel 62 according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable modules 40″. Movable modules 40″ can be similar to movable modules 40 with a top wall 41″ that can have a plurality of pins 67 provided on top wall 40″. Removable panel 62 can have a work surface 64 and a mating surface 66. Mating surface 66 can include a plurality of recesses 68 arranged in a pattern as desired. Those skilled in the art will understand that first portion 63 and second portion 65 can have at least two recesses 68 provided in mating surface 66 to align with two or more pins 67 provided on top wall 41″ of module 40″. The number of corresponding pins 67 and recesses 68 for each of the first portion 63 and second portion 65 can be selected to provide the connection between removable panel 62 and the movable modules 40″. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that instead of extending a portion of the way through removable panel 62, recesses 68 can extend through removable panel 62 to allow removable panel to be secured to two or more movable modules 40″ with mechanical fasteners if desired. Alternately, pins 67 could be replaced by threaded fasteners screwed into recesses 68 to attach removable panel 62 to two or more modules 40″. As described above removable panel 62 can be formed of particle board, laminated wood, molded plastic or other sheet material as desired, and can have a laminate or other sheet material work surface 64 as desired. Pins 68 can be formed integrally in top wall 41″ or can be removably or permanently attached to top wall 41″, again as desired. By way of example, pins 68 can be cylindrical in form having a center bore to receive a threaded fastener to mount the pins 68 to the top wall 41″. In the event pins 68 are cylindrical, recesses 67 can be bore holes sized to receive pins 68. Those skilled in the art will understand that pins 68 can take any shape and recesses 67 can be formed to receive the pins 68.

Turning to FIG. 8 another embodiment of a removable panel 72 according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable modules 40′″. Movable modules 40′″ can be similar to movable modules 40 with a top wall 41′″ that can have a plurality of recesses 78 provided on top wall 40′″. Removable panel 72 can have a work surface 74 and a mating surface 76. Removable panel 72 can have a plurality of pins 77 positioned on mating surface 76 to be received in recesses 78 to connect movable modules 40′″. The plurality of pins 77 positioned on mating surface 76 can be arranged in a first portion 73 and a second portion 75. Each of first portion 73 and second portion 75 can have two or more sets of pins 77 and recesses 78. Recesses 78 can be integrally formed in top wall 41′″ or can be sockets inserted and fastened into openings in top wall 41′″. Pins 77 can be pressed into openings in mating surface 76 or can have a threaded portion arranged to be screwed into removable panel 72. Those skilled in the art will understand that pins 77 and recesses 78 can be formed in other ways within the scope of the invention. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the shape of recesses 78 and pins 77 can be cylindrical or other shapes as desired. Likewise, the number and pattern of recesses 78 and pins 77 included in the first portion 73 and second portion 75 can be selected as desired to provide a desired degree of security in the connection of movable modules 40′″ when removable panel 72 is installed. Similar to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7, pins 78 can be replaced by openings to receive screws or threaded fasteners to fasten removable panel 72 to two or more modules. If screws of threaded fasteners are employed recesses 78 can be replaced by holes to receive such screws of threaded fasteners. Those skilled in the art will understand that retainers for threaded fasteners can be mounted on top wall 40′″. As described above, removable panel 72 can be formed of particle board, laminated wood, molded plastic or other sheet material as desired, and can have a laminate or other work surface material as desired.

In operation, the removable panel embodiments described in FIGS. 6-8 can be used to overlie and connect at least two movable modules substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. Removable panels 52, 62, and 72 can be positioned to overlie and connect at least two movable modules 40′, 40″ and 40′″ respectively. The storage and work system can be moved as an assembly to a position such as shown in FIG. 2 to provide a movable work surface. As described above, the storage and work system can be positioned under a modular workbench as illustrated in FIG. 1 for access to the modules as storage space. As also described above, each of the removable panels 52, 62 and 72 described in connection with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 can be arranged to overlie and connect three or more movable modules 40′, 40″ and 40′″ by providing the mating surface 55, 66 and 76 with a third portion arranged like the first and second portions to connect to a third or more module(s) similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. Typically it will be preferred to have similar mating portions on the mating surface of a removable panel. However, those skilled in the art will understand that a removable panel can be provided with a mating surface have a first portion employing one of the embodiments described above and a second portion employing a different embodiment if desired in order to use the removable panel with modules having different top surfaces.

Turning to FIG. 9 another embodiment of removable panel 102 according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two movable modules 40. Removable panel 102 can have a work surface 104, and a mating surface 106. Mating surface 106 can include a plurality of strips that can be arranged to form a first portion 129 and a second portion 131 similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. First portion 129 and second portion 131 can include strips 128 and 134. Removable panel 102 can be similar to removable panel 22 described above and can have overhang portions 108 that can extend beyond the sidewalls 49 of movable modules 40. Overhang portions 108 can be provided on one, two, three or all four sides of removable panel 102 as desired (overhang portions 108 on two sides are illustrated in FIG. 9). Overhang portions 108 can facilitate clamping material to work surface 104 or for clamping portable tools or fixtures such a portable vice to the work surface 104. Overhang portions 108 can extend 1″ to 12″ or more as desired. In this regard the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be considered to include overhang portions consisting of the edges of removable panel 52 and strips 56, 58 and 60 that extend around the top wall 41′ of movable modules 40′.

Turning to FIG. 10 another embodiment of removable panel 112 according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two movable modules 40. Removable panel 112 can have a work surface 114, and a mating surface 116. Mating surface 116 can include a plurality of strips that can be arranged to form a first portion 129 and a second portion 131 similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. First portion 129 and second portion 131 can include strips 128 and 134. Removable panel 112 can be similar to removable panel 22 described above and can have overhang portions 118 that can extend beyond the sidewall 49 of movable module 40. In the embodiment of FIG. 10 overhang portions 118 can be pivotally mounted to removable panel 112 using hinges 119 that can latch with overhang portions in the solid line position as is well known in the art to provide an expanded work surface or to facilitate clamping of work material, tools or equipment to removable panel 112. Overhang portions 118 can be released to pivot down on hinges 119 to the dashed line position when not required. As in the embodiment of FIG. 9, overhang portions 118 can be provided on one, two, three or all four sides of removable top 112. As in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 9 overhang portions 118 can extend 1″ to 12″ or more as desired. Typically a hinged overhang extension 118 will extend 2″ or more.

Turning to FIG. 11 another embodiment of removable panel 122 according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two movable modules 40. Removable panel 122 can have a work surface 124, and a mating surface 126. Mating surface 126 can include a first portion 129′ and a second portion 131′ similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A. First portion 129′ and second portion 131′ can be integral with removable panel 122. For example removable panel 122 can be a laminated maple top or other solid material having a grooves formed by removing material to form channel 133 and grooves 135. Channel 133 can be arranged to receive flanges 44 and 48 of adjoining movable modules 40 as described above in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In order to provide for one or more overhang portions 125 additional grooves 135 can be formed in mating surface 126 to accommodate flanges 44, 46 and 48 depending on the number of overhang portions desired to be provided. Removable panel 122 can be similar to removable panel 102 described above and can have overhang portions 125 that can extend beyond the sidewall(s) 49 of movable module 40. Overhang portions 125 can be provided on one, two, three or all four sides of removable panel 122 as desired (overhang portions 125 on two sides are illustrated in FIG. 11). Those skilled in the art will understand that any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and 6-8 can have a removable panel having one or more overhang portions similar to the removable panels illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 if desired.

Turning to FIGS. 13-15 three embodiments of movable modules described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078 can be seen. In FIG. 13 a movable drawer module 80 can be seen having a plurality of drawers 82, 84 and 86 slidably mounted in a cabinet. Similar to the movable cabinet module 40 described above and shown in FIG. 14, movable drawer module 80 can have a top wall 41 having perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 surrounding a portion of top wall 41 to form a recess to receive a removable panel. Similar to the movable cabinet module 40, movable drawer module 80 can have wheels 42, casters 47 and bumpers 43.

In FIG. 15 a movable refrigerator module 90 can be seen having a refrigerator door 92 for allowing selective access to the inside of the modular refrigerator. Modular refrigerator 90 is described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078 and in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 10/744,556, Junge et. al. fully incorporated in this application by reference. Similar to the movable cabinet module 40 described above and shown in FIG. 13, movable refrigerator module 90 can have a top wall 91 having perimetrical flange elements 94, 96 and 98 surrounding a portion of top wall 91 to form a recess to receive a removable panel. Similar to the movable cabinet module 40, movable refrigerator module 90 can have wheels 93, casters 95 and bumpers 97.

Those skilled in the art will understand that any of the mating arrangements illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-11 can be used in conjunction with the movable modules illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 and modules 100 having leveling legs 89 illustrated in FIG. 12. The invention is not limited to the specific mating arrangements described above which are to be understood as examples and not the only mating arrangements contemplated by the inventors. Similarly, the invention is not limited to use with modules having leveling legs as illustrated in FIG. 12 or movable modules as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, but can be used in connection with storage modules provided with a mating arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Removable panels according to the invention and two or more modules can be provided with a power strip as described in Arent et. al. '078 incorporated by reference in this application (see FIGS. 4-4B of Arent et. al. '078). While the power strip described in Arent et. al. '078 is arranged to be mounted to a workbench 10, those skilled in the art will understand that a power strip could be mounted directly to a removable panel according to the invention for to two or more modules, particularly when a removable panel is attached to two or more modules using fasteners as described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. 

1. A removable panel sized to overlie and connect at least two modules each having a top comprising: a work surface comprising the top surface of the panel; a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including at least: a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module; and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.
 2. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and second portion are positioned to connect the at least two modules in side by side position.
 3. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the removable panel is sized to overlie and connect at least three modules and the mating surface includes at least a third portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a third module.
 4. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the at least first and second portions are arranged to engage the tops of the modules.
 5. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the top of each module includes a recess, and the at least first and second portions are arranged to be received in the recess in the at least two modules.
 6. The removable panel according to claim 5, wherein the first and second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to be received in the recess in the at least two modules.
 7. The removable panel according to claim 5, wherein the top of each module comprises a perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion of a top wall defining the recess.
 8. The removable panel according to claim 7, wherein the first and second portions are formed by grooves formed in the mating surface arranged to receive at least a portion of the perimetrical flange of each module allowing the first and second portions to be received in the recess in the at least two modules.
 9. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the at least first and second portions are arranged to surround the tops of the modules.
 10. The removable panel according to claim 9, wherein the first and second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to surround the tops of the modules.
 11. The removable panel according to claim 9, wherein the first and second portions comprise recesses in the mating surface arranged to receive the tops of the modules.
 12. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the first and second portions comprise a plurality of connectors arranged to be received in a plurality of recesses in the tops of the modules.
 13. The removable panel according to claim 12, wherein the connectors comprise pins in the mating surface of the removable panel.
 14. The removable panel according to claim 12, wherein the connectors comprise threaded fasteners carried by the removable top arranged to be fastened into openings in the top of modules.
 15. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the first and second portions comprise a plurality of recesses in the mating surface arranged to receive a plurality of connectors in the tops of the modules.
 16. The removable panel accord to claim 15, wherein the connectors comprise threaded fasteners arranged in the tops of the modules to be fastened into recesses in the mating surface.
 17. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the removable top includes at least one overlap portion that extends beyond at least one sidewall of a module.
 18. The removable panel according to claim 17, wherein the at least one overlap portion is pivotally connected to the removable panel and arranged to be positioned to extend the work surface in one position and to be folded down in a second position.
 19. A storage and work system comprising: at least two movable modules each having a top; a removable panel sized to overlie the at least two movable modules and having a work surface comprising the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including at least: a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module; and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.
 20. The storage and work system according to claim 19, further comprising a power strip having a plurality of electrical outlets on the work surface.
 21. A modular workbench system comprising: a workbench having an elongated workbench top supported on a plurality of legs, the workbench defining an open space bounded by the floor, the plurality of legs and the workbench top for docking a plurality of mobile modules; and at least two modules having cabinet including a top and movably mounted on wheels; and a removable panel sized to overlie the at least two movable modules having a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module to connect the at least two modules into an assembly; wherein the modules and removable panel assembly are sized for docking underneath the workbench top for storage and access, and for movement of the assembly from underneath the workbench top for rearrangement of the modules, for access to the modules away from the workbench and for use of the assembly as a mobile worksurface or for cleaning under the workbench. 